Alsace Grand Cru Wine Travel Guide (Alsace, France)

Discover Alsace Grand Cru: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

Alsace Grand Cru wines represent the pinnacle of Alsatian viticulture. These exceptional wines come from 51 designated Grand Cru vineyards, each with unique terroir and strict production regulations.

Towns and Villages

Explore charming wine towns along the Alsace Wine Route:

• Colmar: Known as the “Capital of Alsatian Wine,” featuring picturesque canals and half-timbered houses
• Riquewihr: A medieval village surrounded by Grand Cru vineyards, including Schoenenbourg and Sporen
• Ribeauvillé: Home to three Grand Cru sites – Geisberg, Kirchberg, and Osterberg
• Kaysersberg: Birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, offering stunning views of surrounding vineyards

Wine Producers

Visit these esteemed Alsace Grand Cru producers:

• Domaine Zind-Humbrecht: Biodynamic winery with holdings in multiple Grand Cru sites
• Trimbach: Famous for their Clos Ste. Hune Riesling from the Rosacker Grand Cru
• Domaine Weinbach: Family-run estate specializing in Grand Cru Schlossberg wines
• Albert Mann: Organic and biodynamic producer with parcels in Schlossberg and Furstentum

Accommodations

Stay at these wine-focused hotels:

• Hôtel Le Maréchal (Colmar): 4-star hotel in a 16th-century building with a wine cellar
• La Maison des Têtes (Colmar): Luxury hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant and extensive wine list
• Le Chambard (Kaysersberg): 5-star hotel with a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant and wine bar
• Hostellerie des Châteaux & Spa (Ottrott): Spa hotel near the Kastelberg Grand Cru vineyard

Dining

Indulge in Alsatian cuisine paired with Grand Cru wines:

• JY’S (Colmar): 2-Michelin-starred restaurant with an extensive Alsace wine selection
• L’Auberge de l’Ill (Illhaeusern): 3-Michelin-starred institution showcasing local ingredients and wines
• Winstub du Sommelier (Bergheim): Traditional Alsatian cuisine with an impressive wine list
• Restaurant Girardin (Colmar): Family-run restaurant specializing in regional dishes and Grand Cru pairings

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore these wine-focused establishments in Alsace:

• La Cave de Turckheim (Turckheim): Cooperative winery offering tastings and sales of local Grand Cru wines
• Au Millésime (Colmar): Wine bar and shop with an extensive selection of Alsatian wines
• La Confrérie Saint-Etienne (Kientzheim): Historic wine brotherhood offering tastings and cellar tours
• Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg: Underground wine cellar with guided tours and tastings

Other Shops

Don’t miss these local specialty stores:

• Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie (Kaysersberg): Traditional Alsatian biscuits and cookies
• La Maison du Fromage (Gunsbach): Artisanal cheese shop featuring local Munster cheese
• Au Vieux Moulin (Ribeauvillé): Gourmet food shop specializing in foie gras and local products
• La Boutique du Potier (Soufflenheim): Handcrafted Alsatian pottery and ceramics

Attractions

Explore these wine-related and cultural attractions:

• Maison du Distillateur (Châtenois): Museum dedicated to the art of distillation and Eau de Vie production
• Musée du Vignoble et des Vins d’Alsace (Kientzheim): Wine museum showcasing Alsatian viticulture history
• Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: Medieval castle offering panoramic views of the Alsace wine region
• Route des Vins d’Alsace: 170 km scenic drive through picturesque wine villages and vineyards

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-centric events:

• Fête des Vendanges (Various locations, September-October): Harvest festivals celebrating the grape harvest
• Foire aux Vins d’Alsace (Colmar, August): Large wine fair featuring tastings, concerts, and local products
• Pique-Nique chez le Vigneron Indépendant (Various locations, May): Picnics hosted by independent winemakers
• Millésimes Alsace (Colmar, June): Biennial trade fair showcasing Alsace’s finest wines

Appellations

Understand the wine classification system in Alsace:

• Alsace AOC: Basic appellation for wines from the region
• Alsace Grand Cru AOC: 51 designated vineyards producing top-quality wines
• Crémant d’Alsace AOC: Sparkling wines made using the traditional method
• Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles: Late-harvest and botrytis-affected sweet wines

Grape Varieties

Alsace’s unique terroir supports a diverse range of grape varieties. The region is known for its aromatic white wines.

• Riesling: Produces dry, floral wines with high acidity
• Gewürztraminer: Offers spicy, aromatic wines with lychee notes
• Pinot Gris: Creates rich, full-bodied whites
• Muscat: Yields dry, fragrant wines with grape and floral aromas
• Pinot Blanc: Produces crisp, light-bodied whites
• Sylvaner: Makes fresh, light wines
• Pinot Noir: The only red grape variety, used for light reds and rosés

Main Wine Styles

Alsace Grand Cru wines showcase the finest expressions of the region’s terroir. These wines are typically dry and full-bodied.

• Dry whites: Crisp, mineral-driven Rieslings and aromatic Gewürztraminers
• Late Harvest (Vendange Tardive): Sweet wines made from overripe grapes
• Selection de Grains Nobles: Ultra-sweet wines from botrytis-affected grapes
• Crémant d’Alsace: Sparkling wines made using the traditional method

Food Specialties

Alsatian cuisine blends French and German influences. Local dishes pair perfectly with the region’s wines.

• Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut with various meats
• Tarte flambée: Thin-crust pizza with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons
• Baeckeoffe: Meat and vegetable casserole
• Kugelhopf: Sweet brioche-like cake
• Munster cheese: Strong-flavored soft cheese

Drives & Walks

Explore Alsace’s picturesque landscapes through scenic drives and walks. The Alsace Wine Route offers stunning views of vineyards and medieval villages.

Scenic Drives

• Route des Vins d’Alsace: 170 km wine route from Marlenheim to Thann
• Route des Crêtes: Panoramic drive through the Vosges Mountains

Walking Trails

• Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus: Wine trail through Grand Cru vineyards
• Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg hike: Forest walk to a restored medieval castle

Itineraries

Plan your Alsace Grand Cru adventure with these curated itineraries. Each route combines wine tasting, cultural experiences, and local cuisine.

3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour

• Day 1: Colmar – Visit Domaine Weinbach and Maison Trimbach
• Day 2: Ribeauvillé – Explore Domaine Hugel and enjoy a tarte flambée lunch
• Day 3: Riquewihr – Tour Domaine Dopff Au Moulin and sample local cheeses

5-Day Alsace Grand Cru Experience

• Day 1-2: Strasbourg – City tour and visit to Cave Historique des Hospices
• Day 3: Obernai – Explore the town and visit Domaine Barmes-Buecher
• Day 4: Kaysersberg – Tour Albert Mann winery and hike through vineyards
• Day 5: Eguisheim – Visit Domaine Zinck and enjoy a farewell dinner

Getting There & Around

Alsace is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

• By Air: Fly into Strasbourg Airport or Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg EuroAirport
• By Train: High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to Strasbourg in just 2 hours
• By Car: Well-maintained highways link Alsace to major European cities

For exploring the region:

• Rent a car for flexibility along the Wine Route
• Use local trains and buses for eco-friendly travel between towns
• Consider bike rentals for scenic rides through vineyards

Best Time to Visit

Alsace offers unique experiences year-round:

• Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming vineyards, fewer tourists
• Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, outdoor festivals, bustling markets
• Fall (September-November): Harvest season, wine festivals, beautiful foliage
• Winter (December-March): Christmas markets, cozy wine tastings, possible snow

For wine enthusiasts, plan your visit during the harvest season (late September to early October) for a chance to participate in wine-related events.

Sustainability Efforts

Alsace is committed to eco-friendly winemaking:

• Over 15% of vineyards are certified organic or biodynamic
• Many wineries use solar power and sustainable water management
• Look for the “High Environmental Value” certification on wine labels

Support sustainable tourism by:

• Choosing eco-certified accommodations
• Using public transportation or bicycles
• Participating in local conservation efforts

Language Tips

While French is the official language, Alsatian dialect is still spoken. Some useful phrases:

• “Bonjour” – Hello
• “Merci” – Thank you
• “S’il vous plaît” – Please
• “Santé!” – Cheers!
• “Où est la cave?” – Where is the wine cellar?

Many locals in the wine industry speak English, but attempting French is appreciated.

Further Resources

Enhance your Alsace wine journey with these resources:

• Alsace Wines Official Website: Comprehensive guide to Alsace wines
• Alsace Tourism Board: Travel information and itineraries
• Route des Vins d’Alsace: Detailed map of the Alsace Wine Route
• Mobile App: “Alsace Wine Route” for real-time navigation and winery information

Consider purchasing a regional wine guide book for in-depth knowledge about Alsace’s terroir and producers.